Browse publications by year: 2012

  1. Fulltext Comparative study of Mg/Al- and Zn/Al-layered double hydroxide-perindopril erbumine nanocomposites for inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme
    Hussein Al Ali SH, Al-Qubaisi M, Hussein MZ, Ismail M, Zainal Z, Hakim MN
    Int J Nanomedicine, 2012;7:4251-62.
    PMID: 22904631 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S32267
    The intercalation of a drug active, perindopril, into Mg/Al-layered double hydroxide for the formation of a new nanocomposite, PMAE, was accomplished using a simple ion exchange technique. A relatively high loading percentage of perindopril of about 36.5% (w/w) indicates that intercalation of the active took place in the Mg/Al inorganic interlayer. Intercalation was further supported by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermal analysis shows markedly enhanced thermal stability of the active. The release of perindopril from the nanocomposite occurred in a controlled manner governed by pseudo-second order kinetics. MTT assay showed no cytotoxicity effects from either Mg/Al-layered double hydroxide or its nanocomposite, PMAE. Mg/Al-layered double hydroxide showed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity, with 5.6% inhibition after 90 minutes of incubation. On incubation of angiotensin-converting enzyme with 0.5 μg/mL of the PMAE nanocomposite, inhibition of the enzyme increased from 56.6% to 70.6% at 30 and 90 minutes, respectively. These results are comparable with data reported in the literature for Zn/Al-perindopril.
    MeSH terms: Adsorption; Aluminum Hydroxide/pharmacokinetics; Aluminum Hydroxide/pharmacology*; Aluminum Hydroxide/chemistry; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacokinetics; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology*; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/chemistry; Cell Line; Cell Survival/drug effects; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Combinations; Hippurates/analysis; Hippurates/metabolism; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/chemistry; Magnesium Hydroxide/pharmacokinetics; Magnesium Hydroxide/pharmacology*; Magnesium Hydroxide/chemistry; Oligopeptides/analysis; Oligopeptides/metabolism; Spectrophotometry, Infrared; X-Ray Diffraction; Zinc/pharmacokinetics; Zinc/pharmacology; Zinc/chemistry; Perindopril/pharmacokinetics; Perindopril/pharmacology*; Perindopril/chemistry; Nanocomposites/chemistry*
  2. Fulltext Synthesis of silver nanoparticles by using tea leaf extract from Camellia sinensis
    Loo YY, Chieng BW, Nishibuchi M, Radu S
    Int J Nanomedicine, 2012;7:4263-7.
    PMID: 22904632 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S33344
    The development of the biological synthesis of nanoparticles using microorganisms or plant extracts plays an important role in the field of nanotechnology as it is environmentally friendly and does not involve any harmful chemicals. In this study, the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the leaves extract of Chinese tea from Camellia sinensis is reported. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The XRD analysis shows that the synthesized silver nanoparticles are of face-centered cubic structure. Well-dispersed silver nanoparticles with an approximate size of 4 nm were observed in the TEM image. The application of the green synthesized nanoparticles can be used in many fields such as cosmetics, foods, and medicine.
    MeSH terms: Particle Size; Plant Extracts/chemistry*; Silver/chemistry*; Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; X-Ray Diffraction; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Plant Leaves/chemistry; Camellia sinensis/chemistry*; Nanotechnology/methods*; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry*; Green Chemistry Technology
  3. Fulltext Deaths due to Plasmodium knowlesi malaria in Sabah, Malaysia: association with reporting as Plasmodium malariae and delayed parenteral artesunate
    Rajahram GS, Barber BE, William T, Menon J, Anstey NM, Yeo TW
    Malar J, 2012;11:284.
    PMID: 22905799 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-11-284
    The simian parasite Plasmodium knowlesi is recognized as a common cause of severe and fatal human malaria in Sabah, Malaysia, but is morphologically indistinguishable from and still commonly reported as Plasmodium malariae, despite the paucity of this species in Sabah. Since December 2008 Sabah Department of Health has recommended intravenous artesunate and referral to a general hospital for all severe malaria cases of any species. This paper reviews all malaria deaths in Sabah subsequent to the introduction of these measures. Reporting of malaria deaths in Malaysia is mandatory.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Antimalarials/administration & dosage*; Diagnostic Errors*; Female; Humans; Malaria/diagnosis; Malaria/drug therapy; Malaria/mortality*; Malaria/parasitology*; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Plasmodium malariae/isolation & purification; Bacteremia/complications; Bacteremia/mortality; Plasmodium knowlesi/isolation & purification*; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/complications; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/mortality; Artemisinins/administration & dosage*
  4. Fulltext Characterization and risk factors of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) among animal-affiliated workers in Malaysia
    Getachew Y, Hassan L, Zakaria Z, Zaid CZ, Yardi A, Shukor RA, et al.
    J Appl Microbiol, 2012 Nov;113(5):1184-95.
    PMID: 22906187 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2012.05406.x
    This study determined the risk factors and characteristics of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) among individuals working with animals in Malaysia.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Agriculture; Animals; Cross-Sectional Studies; DNA, Bacterial/isolation & purification; Female; Genotype; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Phenotype; Poultry; Risk Factors; Students; Swine; Prevalence; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections/microbiology; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections/epidemiology; Enterococcus/drug effects; Enterococcus/genetics*; Enterococcus/isolation & purification*; Enterococcus/pathogenicity; Veterinarians; Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique; Vancomycin Resistance*; Virulence Factors/genetics
  5. Fulltext Neuropsychiatric manifestation after a stroke: newly developed symptoms or side-effect of drug?
    Tan EC, Aziz NA, Ahmad S
    BMJ Case Rep, 2012;2012.
    PMID: 22907854 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2012-006518
    A 55-year-old woman presented with sudden onset of left-sided body weakness and numbness, which was diagnosed as multifocal cerebral infarct with right thalamic bleed. She had concurrent hypertension, diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease. She suffered from central poststroke pain and reactive depression as poststroke complications, for which amitriptyline was prescribed. Unfortunately, she developed symptoms suggestive of mania and psychosis upon initiation of medications, which resolved upon withdrawal of amitriptyline. Amitriptyline is effective for treatment of poststroke pain and particularly useful in concomitant depression. Unexpectedly, this patient developed new psychopathologies after initiation of this medication. This case highlights the development of new psychopathologies that could be due to the antidepressant, underlying bipolar disorder or a complication of the stroke itself. Primary care providers need to actively enquire regarding neuropsychiatric symptoms because they can adversely affect the patient's quality of life as well as impede rehabilitation efforts.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Amitriptyline/adverse effects*; Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic/adverse effects*; Bipolar Disorder/etiology*; Case Reports; Depression/drug therapy; Depression/etiology; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Middle Aged; Pain/drug therapy; Pain/etiology; Stroke/complications*; Stroke/psychology; Stroke/radiography
  6. Quantitative and physical evaluation of patchouli essential oils obtained from different sources of Pogostemon cablin
    Hussin N, Mondello L, Costa R, Dugo P, Yusoff NI, Yarmo MA, et al.
    Nat Prod Commun, 2012 Jul;7(7):927-30.
    PMID: 22908584
    Patchouli essential oil can be obtained from fresh, dried and fermented plant material. It is a highly valuable product in the fragrance industry and its quality changes depending upon raw material age and oil storage. In this work, patchouli essential oils derived from different treatments have been subjected to GC-FID quantitative analysis using an internal standard (ISTD) method with response factors (RF). Samples were obtained from i) fresh plants; ii) hydrodistillation of one year mature and fermented plants; iii) hydrodistillation of one year mature plants; iv) commercial products from Indonesia and Malaysia. Linear Retention Indices (LRI) for both polar and non-polar GC-MS analyses were also measured as a tool for qualitative analysis towards a homologous series of C7-C30 n-alkanes. The results obtained confirmed that, in all samples, patchouli alcohol was the main volatile constituent, with higher amount in lab-scale produced oils, compared with commercial samples. Other major compounds, in lab oils and commercial samples respectively, were: delta-guaiene, alpha-guaiene, pogostol, seychellene and alpha-patchoulene. Another 36 compounds were also found.
    MeSH terms: Oils, Volatile/analysis*; Terpenes/analysis; Plant Leaves/chemistry; Lamiaceae/chemistry*; Sesquiterpenes, Guaiane/analysis; Azulenes/analysis
  7. Fulltext Longitudinal in vitro surveillance of Plasmodium falciparum sensitivity to common anti-malarials in Thailand between 1994 and 2010
    Parker D, Lerdprom R, Srisatjarak W, Yan G, Sattabongkot J, Wood J, et al.
    Malar J, 2012 Aug 21;11:290.
    PMID: 22908880 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-11-290
    BACKGROUND: Drug and multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria has existed in Thailand for several decades. Furthermore, Thailand serves as a sentinel for drug-resistant malaria within the Greater Mekong sub-region. However, the drug resistance situation is highly dynamic, changing quickly over time. Here parasite in vitro drug sensitivity is reported for artemisinin derivatives, mefloquine, chloroquine and quinine, across Thailand.

    METHODS: Blood was drawn from patients infected with P. falciparum in seven sentinel provinces along Thai international borders with Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Malaysia. In vitro parasite sensitivity was tested using the World Health Organization's microtest (mark III) (between 1994 and 2002) and the histidine-rich protein-2 (HRP2)-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (in 2010). Following World Health Organization protocol, at least 30 isolates were collected for each province and year represented in this study. Where possible, t-tests were used to test for significant differences.

    RESULTS: There appears to be little variation across study sites with regard to parasite sensitivity to chloroquine. Quinine resistance appears to have been rising prior to 1997, but has subsequently decreased. Mefloquine sensitivity appears high across the provinces, especially along the north-western border with Myanmar and the eastern border with Cambodia. Finally, the data suggest that parasite sensitivity to artemisinin and its derivatives is significantly higher in provinces along the north-western border with Myanmar.

    CONCLUSIONS: Parasite sensitivity to anti-malarials in Thailand is highly variable over time and largely mirrors official drug use policy. The findings with regard to reduced sensitivity to artemisinin derivatives are supported by recent reports of reduced parasite clearance associated with artemisinin. This trend is alarming since artemisinin is considered the last defence against malaria. Continued surveillance in Thailand, along with increased collaboration and surveillance across the entire Greater Mekong sub-region, is clearly warranted.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Animals; Antimalarials/pharmacology*; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Plasmodium falciparum/drug effects*; Plasmodium falciparum/isolation & purification; Thailand; Malaria, Falciparum/parasitology*; Parasitic Sensitivity Tests
  8. Association between inflammatory bowel disease gene 5 (IBD5) and interleukin-23 receptor (IL23R) genetic polymorphisms in Malaysian patients with Crohn's disease
    Chua KH, Hilmi I, Lian LH, Patmanathan SN, Hoe SZ, Lee WS, et al.
    J Dig Dis, 2012 Sep;13(9):459-65.
    PMID: 22908971 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-2980.2012.00617.x
    This study was aimed to investigate the possible association of Crohn's disease (CD) with inflammatory bowel disease gene 5 (IBD5) IGR2198a_1 (rs11739135), IGR2096a_1 (rs12521868) and interleukin-23 receptor (IL23R) genetic variant (rs1004819) in the Malaysian population.
    MeSH terms: Crohn Disease/genetics*; Humans; Malaysia; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/genetics*; Receptors, Interleukin/genetics*; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  9. Fulltext Semi-empirical study of ortho-cresol photo degradation in manganese-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles suspensions
    Abdollahi Y, Zakaria A, Abdullah AH, Fard Masoumi HR, Jahangirian H, Shameli K, et al.
    Chem Cent J, 2012 Aug 21;6(1):88.
    PMID: 22909072 DOI: 10.1186/1752-153X-6-88
    The optimization processes of photo degradation are complicated and expensive when it is performed with traditional methods such as one variable at a time. In this research, the condition of ortho-cresol (o-cresol) photo degradation was optimized by using a semi empirical method. First of all, the experiments were designed with four effective factors including irradiation time, pH, photo catalyst's amount, o-cresol concentration and photo degradation % as response by response surface methodology (RSM). The RSM used central composite design (CCD) method consists of 30 runs to obtain the actual responses. The actual responses were fitted with the second order algebraic polynomial equation to select a model (suggested model). The suggested model was validated by a few numbers of excellent statistical evidences in analysis of variance (ANOVA). The used evidences include high F-value (143.12), very low P-value (<0.0001), non-significant lack of fit, the determination coefficient (R2 = 0.99) and the adequate precision (47.067). To visualize the optimum, the validated model simulated the condition of variables and response (photo degradation %) be using a few number of three dimensional plots (3D). To confirm the model, the optimums were performed in laboratory. The results of performed experiments were quite close to the predicted values. In conclusion, the study indicated that the model is successful to simulate the optimum condition of o-cresol photo degradation under visible-light irradiation by manganese doped ZnO nanoparticles.
  10. Fulltext In vitro evaluation of Pandanus amaryllifolius ethanol extract for induction of cell death on non-hormone dependent human breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 cell via apoptosis
    Chong HZ, Yeap SK, Rahmat A, Akim AM, Alitheen NB, Othman F, et al.
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2012;12:134.
    PMID: 22909149 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-12-134
    Our previous study had shown that P. amaryllifolius was able to selectively inhibit cell proliferation of hormone independent breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. To understand the mode of killing and mechanism of action for P. amaryllifolius, the ethanol extract was evaluated for their alteration of cell cycle progression, PS externalization, DNA fragmentation and expression of anti/pro-apoptotic related protein.
    MeSH terms: Adenocarcinoma/drug therapy; Adenocarcinoma/physiopathology*; Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy; Breast Neoplasms/physiopathology*; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Female; Hormones/metabolism; Humans; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Apoptosis/drug effects*; Pandanaceae/chemistry*; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation/drug effects
  11. Pre-treatment of multi-walled carbon nanotubes for polyetherimide mixed matrix hollow fiber membranes
    Goh PS, Ng BC, Ismail AF, Aziz M, Hayashi Y
    J Colloid Interface Sci, 2012 Nov 15;386(1):80-7.
    PMID: 22909959 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2012.07.033
    Mixed matrix hollow fibers composed of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and polyetherimide (PEI) were fabricated. Pre-treatment of MWCNTs was carried out prior to the incorporation into the polymer matrix using a simple and feasible two stages approach that involved dry air oxidation and surfactant dispersion. The characterizations of the surface treated MWCNTs using TEM and Raman spectroscopy have evidenced the effectiveness of dry air oxidation in eliminating undesired amorphous carbon and metal catalyst while surfactant dispersion using Triton X100 has suppressed the agglomeration of MWCNTs. The resultant mixed matrix hollow fibers were applied for O(2)/N(2) pure gas separation. Interestingly, it was found that removal of disordered amorphous carbons and metal particles has allowed the hollow structures to be more accessible for the fast and smooth transport of gas molecules, hence resulted in noticeable improvement in the gas separation properties. The composite hollow fibers embedded with the surface modified MWCNTs showed increase in permeability as much as 60% while maintaining the selectivity of the O(2)/N(2) gas pair. This study highlights the necessity to establish an appropriate pre-treatment approach for MWCNTs in order to fully utilize the beneficial transport properties of this material in mixed matrix polymer nanocomposite for gas separation.
  12. Asia-Pacific mussel watch for emerging pollutants: Distribution of synthetic musks and benzotriazole UV stabilizers in Asian and US coastal waters
    Nakata H, Shinohara R, Nakazawa Y, Isobe T, Sudaryanto A, Subramanian A, et al.
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2012 Oct;64(10):2211-8.
    PMID: 22910332 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2012.07.049
    We analyzed 68 green and blue mussels collected from Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam and the USA during 2003 and 2007, to elucidate the occurrence and widespread distributions of emerging pollutants, synthetic musks and benzotriazole UV stabilizers (BUVSs) in Asia-Pacific coastal waters. Synthetic musks and BUVSs were detected in mussels from all countries, suggesting their ubiquitous contamination and widespread distribution. High concentrations of musks and BUVSs were detected in mussels from Japan and Korea, where the levels were comparable or greater than those of PCBs, DDTs and PBDEs. Significant correlations were found between the concentrations of HHCB and AHTN, and also between the concentrations of UV-327 and UV-328, which suggest similar sources and compositions of these compounds in commercial and industrial products. To our knowledge, this is the first study of large-scale monitoring of synthetic musks and BUVSs in Asia-Pacific coastal waters.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Asia; Environmental Monitoring/methods*; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated/analysis; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated/metabolism*; Pacific Ocean; Triazoles/analysis; Triazoles/metabolism*; United States; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis; Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism*; Water Pollution, Chemical/statistics & numerical data; Bivalvia/metabolism*
  13. A game of Chinese whispers in Malaysia: contextual analysis of child road safety education
    Puvanachandra P, Kulanthayan S, Hyder AA
    Qual Health Res, 2012 Nov;22(11):1476-85.
    PMID: 22910586 DOI: 10.1177/1049732312457245
    In 2006, the Malaysian government began implementing road safety education (RSE) programs in primary schools, involving numerous stakeholders. We interviewed 19 stakeholders. Thematic analysis led to the identification of four themes: road traffic injuries (RTIs) among children in Malaysia, the role of RSE, factors affecting successful implementation, and intersectoral involvement. The latter was identified as a significant strength of the overall approach to implementation, and is one of the first examples in Malaysia and in the region of such an approach. Lack of official documentation surrounding ownership, funding responsibilities, and roles among the various sectors led to resistance from some groups. Although we know from scientific studies what works in terms of reducing RTIs, the more important question is how such interventions can be successfully and sustainably implemented, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). The results of this study permit stronger understanding of issues surrounding the implementation of RTI interventions in LMIC.
    MeSH terms: Accidents, Traffic/prevention & control*; Developing Countries; Female; Health Promotion/methods*; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Safety*; Schools*; Wounds and Injuries/prevention & control*; Qualitative Research
  14. Genetic association of SNPs in the FTO gene and predisposition to obesity in Malaysian Malays
    Apalasamy YD, Ming MF, Rampal S, Bulgiba A, Mohamed Z
    Braz. J. Med. Biol. Res., 2012 Dec;45(12):1119-26.
    PMID: 22911346
    The common variants in the fat mass- and obesity-associated (FTO) gene have been previously found to be associated with obesity in various adult populations. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and linkage disequilibrium (LD) blocks in various regions of the FTO gene are associated with predisposition to obesity in Malaysian Malays. Thirty-one FTO SNPs were genotyped in 587 (158 obese and 429 non-obese) Malaysian Malay subjects. Obesity traits and lipid profiles were measured and single-marker association testing, LD testing, and haplotype association analysis were performed. LD analysis of the FTO SNPs revealed the presence of 57 regions with complete LD (D' = 1.0). In addition, we detected the association of rs17817288 with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The FTO gene may therefore be involved in lipid metabolism in Malaysian Malays. Two haplotype blocks were present in this region of the FTO gene, but no particular haplotype was found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of obesity in Malaysian Malays.
    MeSH terms: Female; Genotype; Humans; Malaysia/ethnology; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity/ethnology; Obesity/genetics*; Proteins/genetics*; Linkage Disequilibrium/genetics*; Body Mass Index; Case-Control Studies; Genetic Predisposition to Disease/genetics*; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/genetics*; Alpha-Ketoglutarate-Dependent Dioxygenase FTO
  15. Fulltext Genetic relatedness of low solitary nests of Apis dorsata from Marang, Terengganu, Malaysia
    Sahebzadeh N, Mardan M, Ali AM, Tan SG, Adam NA, Lau WH
    PLoS One, 2012;7(7):e41020.
    PMID: 22911733 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041020
    Knowledge on the population of genetic structure and ecological behaviour of Apis dorsata from Peninsular Malaysia is needed for effective management and conservation of this species since unsustainable whole solitary low nest cutting for product harvesting is the current common practice here. The analysis of 15 single locus DNA microsatellite markers on samples from 20 solitary nests of A. dorsata showed that while these markers were polymorphic, high intracolonial relatedness existed. Furthermore, in general, slightly negative values of intercolony relatedness (R) among the nests of A. dorsata were found. However, positive values of mean intercolony relatedness were observed between 54 pairs of nests out of 190 possible combinations. The R values among nest pairs 3-4 and 3-5 was higher than 0.50 showing that their queens were half siblings, whereas nest pair 19-20 showed relatedness of 0.95 indicating that the same queen was sampled. The results that we obtained could not conclusively support the hypothesis of this study that the honey hunters in Marang district of Malaysia repeatedly harvest the same nest located at a different site and at a different time during the same honey harvesting season. However, our finding of an appreciable level of intercolonial relatedness between several pairs of nests in this pioneer study indicated that a comprehensive study with a larger sample size of solitary nests found throughout the region would be necessary to provide concrete proof for this novel idea.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Bees/genetics*; Genetics, Population; Genotype; Malaysia; Genetic Variation; Genes, Insect; Microsatellite Repeats*
  16. Fulltext Dietary methionine and n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio reduce adverse effects of infectious bursal disease in broilers
    Maroufyan E, Kasim A, Ebrahimi M, Loh TC, Hair-Bejo M, Soleimani AF
    Poult Sci, 2012 Sep;91(9):2173-82.
    PMID: 22912451 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2012-02317
    This study was carried out to investigate the modulatory effects of dietary methionine and n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ratio on immune response and performance of infectious bursal disease (IBD)-challenged broiler chickens. In total, 350 one-day-old male broiler chicks were assigned to 1 of the 6 dietary treatment groups in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. There were 3 n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios (45, 5.5, and 1.5) and 2 levels of methionine (NRC recommendation and twice NRC recommendation). The results showed that birds fed with dietary n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio of 5.5 had higher BW, lower feed intake, and superior FCR than other groups. However, the highest antibody response was observed in birds with dietary n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio of 1.5. Lowering n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio reduced bursa lesion score equally in birds fed with n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio of 5.5 and 1.5. Supplementation of methionine by twice the recommendation also improved FCR and reduced feed intake and bursa lesion score. However, in this study, the optimum performance (as measured by BW, feed intake, and FCR) did not coincide with the optimum immune response (as measured by antibody titer). It seems that dietary n-3 PUFA modulates the broiler chicken performance and immune response in a dose-dependent but nonlinear manner. Therefore, it can be suggested that a balance of moderate level of dietary n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (5.5) and methionine level (twice recommendation) might enhance immune response together with performance in IBD-challenged broiler chickens.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Chickens*; Diet/veterinary; Fish Oils/administration & dosage; Fish Oils/pharmacology; Fish Oils/chemistry; Infectious bursal disease virus*; Lymphoid Tissue/drug effects; Male; Methionine/pharmacology*; Plant Oils/administration & dosage; Plant Oils/pharmacology; Plant Oils/chemistry; Poultry Diseases/prevention & control; Fatty Acids, Omega-3/administration & dosage; Fatty Acids, Omega-3/pharmacology*; Birnaviridae Infections/diet therapy; Birnaviridae Infections/veterinary*; Birnaviridae Infections/virology; Dietary Supplements; Fatty Acids, Omega-6/administration & dosage; Fatty Acids, Omega-6/pharmacology*; Fatty Acids, Omega-6/chemistry
  17. Fulltext Physicochemical and sensory characteristics of burger made from duck surimi-like material
    Ramadhan K, Huda N, Ahmad R
    Poult Sci, 2012 Sep;91(9):2316-23.
    PMID: 22912469 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2011-01747
    Burgers were prepared using duck surimi-like material (DSLM) with polydextrose added (SL) and DSLM with sucrose-sorbitol added (SS), and the properties of these burgers were compared with those of burgers made of chicken meat (CB) and duck meat (DB). Quality characteristics such as chemical composition, cooking loss, diameter shrinkage, color, and texture were measured. The DB had a lower moisture content (55.58%) and higher fat content (21.44%) and cooking loss (11.01%) compared with other samples, whereas CB, SS, and SL did not differ significantly in moisture (65.21-66.10%) and fat (10.42-11.16%) content or cooking loss (5.32-6.15%). The SS and SL were positioned below CB and above DB in terms of hardness, chewiness, and springiness. Ten trained panelists assessed the burgers using quantitative descriptive analysis. Among the burgers, CB had the greatest brightness of color, hardness, springiness, and chewiness. The SS had greater sweetness than the other burgers. Both SL and SS had significantly less animalic odor, meaty flavor, oiliness, juiciness, and saltiness compared with DB. The physicochemical and sensory characteristics of burgers prepared from DSLM approached those of burgers made of chicken.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cholesterol/chemistry; Consumer Behavior; Cooking; Ducks; Food Handling; Humans; Meat Products/analysis; Meat Products/standards*
  18. Fulltext Skin color variation in Orang Asli tribes of Peninsular Malaysia
    Ang KC, Ngu MS, Reid KP, Teh MS, Aida ZS, Koh DX, et al.
    PLoS One, 2012;7(8):e42752.
    PMID: 22912732 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042752
    Pigmentation is a readily scorable and quantitative human phenotype, making it an excellent model for studying multifactorial traits and diseases. Convergent human evolution from the ancestral state, darker skin, towards lighter skin colors involved divergent genetic mechanisms in people of European vs. East Asian ancestry. It is striking that the European mechanisms result in a 10-20-fold increase in skin cancer susceptibility while the East Asian mechanisms do not. Towards the mapping of genes that contribute to East Asian pigmentation there is need for one or more populations that are admixed for ancestral and East Asian ancestry, but with minimal European contribution. This requirement is fulfilled by the Senoi, one of three indigenous tribes of Peninsular Malaysia collectively known as the Orang Asli. The Senoi are thought to be an admixture of the Negrito, an ancestral dark-skinned population representing the second of three Orang Asli tribes, and regional Mongoloid populations of Indo-China such as the Proto-Malay, the third Orang Asli tribe. We have calculated skin reflectance-based melanin indices in 492 Orang Asli, which ranged from 28 (lightest) to 75 (darkest); both extremes were represented in the Senoi. Population averages were 56 for Negrito, 42 for Proto-Malay, and 46 for Senoi. The derived allele frequencies for SLC24A5 and SLC45A2 in the Senoi were 0.04 and 0.02, respectively, consistent with greater South Asian than European admixture. Females and individuals with the A111T mutation had significantly lighter skin (p = 0.001 and 0.0039, respectively). Individuals with these derived alleles were found across the spectrum of skin color, indicating an overriding effect of strong skin lightening alleles of East Asian origin. These results suggest that the Senoi are suitable for mapping East Asian skin color genes.
    MeSH terms: Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics; Female; Humans; Malaysia/ethnology; Male; Melanins/metabolism; Antiporters/genetics; Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics; European Continental Ancestry Group/ethnology; European Continental Ancestry Group/genetics; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/ethnology*; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/genetics; Genotyping Techniques
  19. Fulltext Living arrangement and life satisfaction in older Malaysians: the mediating role of social support function
    Kooshiar H, Yahaya N, Hamid TA, Abu Samah A, Sedaghat Jou V
    PLoS One, 2012;7(8):e43125.
    PMID: 22912806 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043125
    BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional and correlational survey examines the association between different types of living arrangements and life satisfaction in older Malaysians, while taking into account the mediating effects of social support function.

    METHODOLOGY AND FINDINGS: A total of 1880 of older adults were selected by multistage stratified sampling. Life satisfaction and social support were measured with the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale and Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey. The result shows living with children as the commonest type of living arrangement for older adults in peninsular Malaysia. Compared to living alone, living only with a spouse especially and then co-residency with children were both associated with better life satisfaction (p

    MeSH terms: Age Factors; Aged; Analysis of Variance; Cross-Sectional Studies; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Personal Satisfaction*; Residence Characteristics/statistics & numerical data*; Sex Factors; Social Support*; Socioeconomic Factors
  20. Nodular Melanoma Mimicking Keratoacanthoma: Lessons to learn
    Muthupalaniappen L, Das S, Md Nor N, Ali SA
    Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J, 2012 Aug;12(3):360-3.
    PMID: 22912931
    A 67-year-old man of Chinese descent presented with a painless nodular lesion that had been present on his right forearm for the previous 3 months. A single, well-defined, dome-shaped, firm nodule with a central keratin plug surrounded by erythema was noted. Keratoacanthoma with secondary bacterial infection was suspected and the patient underwent an excision biopsy. Biopsy of the nodule and immunohistochemical staining supported a diagnosis of nodular malignant melanoma. It should be noted both that nodular malignant melanoma may present with a wide variety of clinical appearances, and that the lack of melanin pigment in nodular malignant melanoma may hinder the diagnosis of this aggressive tumour.
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